Air Cushion Packaging Market Report 2024

The air cushion packaging market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $3.55 billion in 2023 to $3.84 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1%. The growth observed in the historical period can be attributed to several factors, the expansion of e-commerce and online retail, heightened emphasis on sustainable packaging solutions, increased demand for protective packaging in the transportation of fragile goods, advancements in manufacturing technology for air cushion packaging, and the expansion of global supply chains and logistics networks.

The air cushion packaging market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $5.26 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2%. In the forecast period, growth is expected due to increasing emphasis on reducing shipping costs and minimizing material waste, broader adoption of air cushion packaging across diverse industries including electronics and automotive, a trend towards lightweight and durable packaging materials, incorporation of smart packaging technologies for enhanced shipment tracking and monitoring, and regulatory initiatives promoting environmentally friendly packaging alternatives. Key trends anticipated in this period include rising demand for on-demand and custom-fit air cushion packaging solutions, the emergence of biodegradable and compostable materials in air cushion packaging, integration of antimicrobial properties to enhance product protection, expansion of market offerings for recyclable air cushion packaging options, and the adoption of automation and robotics in manufacturing processes to boost efficiency and productivity.

The air cushion packaging market is set to benefit significantly from the rapid expansion of e-commerce. E-commerce involves the online buying and selling of goods and services, a trend fueled by factors such as increased internet access, consumer preference for online shopping, and advancements in digital payment systems. Air cushion packaging plays a crucial role in e-commerce by providing effective protection for products during shipping, reducing shipping weight, and minimizing material waste. For instance, in the fourth quarter of 2023, e-commerce sales in the US surged by 7.5% compared to the same period in 2022, as reported by the Census Bureau of the Department of Commerce, highlighting the growth-driving impact of e-commerce on the air cushion packaging market.

Major players in the air cushion packaging sector are focusing on technological innovations such as air pillow systems, eco-friendly materials, and smart packaging solutions equipped with sensors and tracking technologies. Air pillow systems, for example, create compact, inflatable packaging that enhances product protection while reducing environmental impact. An illustration of this innovation is RIO, introduced by DUNA-Corradini S.p.A. in September 2022. RIO is made from 70% recycled and recyclable plastic as part of their Air in Place (AIP) range, aiming to minimize virgin plastic usage while ensuring durability and recyclability.

In March 2024, Macfarlane Group PLC acquired Allpack Packaging Supplies Limited for £3.25 million ($4.1 million), enhancing its market presence in East Anglia. This acquisition allows Macfarlane to expand its offerings of protective packaging products and services, benefiting customers previously served by Allpack.

Major companies operating in the air cushion packaging market are Amcor plc, Smurfit Kappa Group Plc, Associated Packaging, Veritiv Corporation, Sealed Air Corp., Intertape Polymer Group Inc., Pregis LLC, Storopack Hans Reichenecker GmbH, Shorr Packaging, Polyair, Atlantic Tape Packaging, iVEX Protective Packaging, Polycell International, FP International, 3G Packaging Corp., Airfil Protective Packaging Ltd., AirWave Packaging LLC, Jaineeket Enterprises, Springpack, Salazar Packaging, Macfarlane Group UK Ltd, DynaCorp, COMPAK.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the air cushion packaging market in 2023. The regions covered in the air cushion packaging market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

The countries covered in the air cushion packaging market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Air cushion packaging is a protective method that employs inflated plastic pouches or cushions to secure and safeguard items during shipment, offering cushioning and shock absorption to mitigate potential damage. This lightweight and flexible packaging solution is particularly suitable for fragile or valuable goods.

The primary types of air cushion packaging include void filling, block and bracing, wrapping, and corner protection. Void filling involves using air cushions to fill empty spaces within packages, preventing items from shifting during transport. Air cushion packaging comes in various forms such as air tubes, air bubbles, air pillows, and air bags, and is available in colors such as green, white, and blue. It finds applications across diverse sectors including electronics, consumer goods, cosmetics and personal care, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, among others.

The air cushion packaging market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides air cushion packaging market statistics, including air cushion packaging industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a air cushion packaging market share, detailed air cushion packaging market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the air cushion packaging industry. This air cushion packaging market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The air cushion packaging market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing services such as customization of packaging solutions, installation and maintenance of air cushion machinery, and consulting on optimal packaging practices to ensure product safety and efficiency during transit. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The air cushion packaging market also includes sales of tabletop air cushion machines, industrial air cushion machines, and air cushion machine films. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.


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